Every month, I stroll through the grocery store, effortlessly picking up everything my daughter and I need for our periods—tampons, pads, pantyliners—all without a second thought. I toss these essentials into my cart alongside frozen veggies and dairy products. However, many women and teenage girls aren’t as fortunate.
Unfortunately, not every woman has reliable access to menstrual products, leading some to resort to unsafe alternatives that jeopardize their health. Thankfully, 19-year-old Mia Thompson is stepping up to make a change by raising awareness about menstrual safety.
Mia co-founded the nonprofit organization, FLOW, with her high school friend, Jordan Lee, after learning about the challenges homeless women face during their menstrual cycles. In conversations with these women, she discovered that lacking access to necessary products forced them to use items like toilet paper, socks, and even cardboard as makeshift pads.
Through FLOW, Mia aims to ensure equitable access to menstrual hygiene and is working to shift the long-standing conversation around women’s menstrual cycles. No woman should have to resort to using cardboard against their skin to manage their periods. With a little time and effort, we can make a substantial difference for women who can’t afford sanitary products each month, especially for young girls who may feel too embarrassed to seek help.
Just the thought of my daughter facing such challenges is a sobering reminder of my privileges. Many of us take access to menstrual products for granted, often complaining about minor inconveniences while others struggle to find safe alternatives, putting their health at risk.
To date, FLOW has successfully “addressed over 250,000 periods through product distribution.” Isn’t that incredible? At 19, I certainly wasn’t advocating for women’s access to proper sanitary supplies—I didn’t even recognize there was a problem. Yet, it’s never too late to get involved. FLOW continues to expand its efforts, advocating for both local and federal policy changes to support women’s rights to safe and sanitary menstrual products.
If you’d like to join the cause, consider following the movement on social media or visiting their website for more information. You can also check out resources on home insemination at Make a Mom, or learn more about pregnancy through WebMD. Every contribution counts, whether it’s donating your time or organizing a community event.
The world needs more passionate young individuals like Mia and Jordan, who exemplify how small actions can lead to monumental impacts on women’s lives.
Summary
Teen advocates like Mia Thompson are fighting for menstrual health and safety through their nonprofit, FLOW, which aims to provide equitable access to menstrual products. With over 250,000 periods addressed, the organization seeks to change the conversation around menstruation and support women’s rights to safe hygiene products.